Biography

Dana Enders is an award‑winning plein air pastel artist whose work celebrates the luminous drama of the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast. She enjoys competing in juried shows and plein air events across Florida and as far north as Maryland. As a prominent member of the Fort Myers Beach Art Association, Dana confidently leads the FMBAA plein air program. With a passion for sharing her expertise, she offers engaging workshops that empower others to master the art of plein air painting and expressive mark making with soft pastel.

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Originally from Maryland, Dana earned her BFA in Graphic Design from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1993 and spent many years as a freelance designer before returning to her first love — painting — in 2016. Today, her landscapes and seascapes are created entirely on location, where she is drawn to subjects bathed in beautiful, dramatic lighting. Whether it’s the glow of sunrise on Sanibel or the long shadows stretching across Captiva’s shoreline, Dana’s work reflects a deep sensitivity to capturing the essence of a scene.

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Dana is also widely known for her custom beach commissions, a unique offering in which she paints families directly on the beach in real time. These one‑of‑a‑kind pastel portraits capture the joy, movement, and spontaneity of “beach time,” creating a cherished and highly sought-after souvenir for visitors and locals alike. 

Her work continues to evolve through her plein air practice, her connection to the Gulf Coast landscape, and her dedication to painting from life.

Current Memberships

Pastel Society of America Signature Member (PSA)

Sanibel Captiva Art League

Southwest Florida Pastel Society (SWFPS)

Alliance for the Arts

Fort Myers Beach Art Association (FMBAA)

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Gallery Representation

Hirdie Girdie Art Gallery - Sanibel, FL

Arts for ACT Gallery - Fort Myers, FL​

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Contact:

Cell 770.401.1071

dana@paintingsbydanaenders.com